MOSES LAKE — After a brief dip last week, gas prices climbed again across Washington, the nation, and locally in Grant and Adams counties, reflecting continued volatility in oil markets as February begins. 

Washington’s average fuel price rose nine cents this week to $3.94, up from $3.85 on Jan. 26. The national average also dropped, decreasing from $2.88 to $2.85. 

“While oil prices jumped to their highest level in months amid geopolitical tensions, a weakening U.S. dollar, and supply concerns, the national average price of gasoline saw little change compared to a week ago,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Just over half of states saw gas prices decline… Meanwhile, prices are rising across much of the West Coast as the transition to summer gasoline begins. Over the coming weeks, we’re likely to see more states experiencing increases than decreases.” 

Both Grant County and Adams County saw their fuel prices rise this week to $3.87, a jump from the previous week’s $3.75 in Grant and $3.82 in Adams. 

One month ago, Grant County drivers were paying $3.86. Adams County averaged $3.91 at that time, four cents higher. This week’s increases ended with a mixed pattern of fluctuations through January, with Grant County prices falling for part of the month before reversing course. 

Grant and Adams counties remain in the middle of the pack for fuel prices in the state, with Asotin County having the lowest at $2.70 and San Juan County at $5.16 – a difference of $2.46. 

Washington’s statewide average of $3.94 marks the highest point since late December. A month ago, Washington averaged $3.89. Two months ago, prices hovered above $4.00, even reaching $4.10 in early December. 

Washington continues to rank among the most expensive states in the nation for gasoline, driven in part by refinery economics and one of the country’s highest gas‑tax rates. However, California has $4.36 and Hawaii has $4.39, with higher prices in the nation.  

Nationally, gas prices ticked up this week to $2.85, still lower than the $2.88 average one week ago and below the $3.12 average recorded a year ago. The national price has hovered in a narrow band between $2.80 and $2.90 for most of the past two months. 

De Haan said that while national movement remains modest, West Coast states, including Washington, should brace for additional increases as the shift to more expensive summer‑blend gasoline continues and refinery issues in California ripple through regional markets.